AN appeal is underway for volunteers of all ages to step forward to help out at a charity shop in Tavistock which raises money for a very worthy cause.

The Sue Ryder shop in West Street sells musical instruments, furniture, clothes, bric-a-brac, jewellery and many other donated items.

Monies go to the charity which provides compassionate care to people living with complex long-term and end-of-life conditions through its homecare, hospice and residential care services.

It helps those affected by cancer, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, stroke, brain injury and other life changing illnesses.

Mel Sealey, the shop manager, said: 'We opened this brand new shop in March and firstly we want to let people know we are here in West Street and they are most welcome to come in and look around.

'It's a lovely modern shop and a great place to work in.

'We are really low on volunteers at the moment and would really appreciate some more help.

'The charity is such a good cause and we have a lovely team, who are a friendly bunch. We can certainly promise any volunteers lots of tea and biscuits! '

The shop is open from Monday to Saturday between 9am to 5pm and Mel says when it comes to voluntary work, they are more than flexible regarding hours.

'Some volunteers may do two hours on a Friday, while others can offer three days a week — it varies from individual to individual,' said Mel.

One such volunteer is Zoe Brimacombe from Tavistock. She has been working four days a week and Saturdays.

Zoe, 17, who will soon be starting a horticulture course at Stoke Climsland, said: 'I've found it really useful. I've learnt how to use the till, worked in the shop area and in the back room labelling and sorting out donated items.

'It's been really interesting and really good for my CV.'

Volunteers need to be 16 or over (those under 18 must have parental consent) and there is no need for any sort of shop experience, training will be given.

'Taster days' can also be arranged to see if potential volunteers would like to give it a try.

For more details call Mel on 01822 618386 or email her on [email protected]">[email protected]